State to Cover Cost of PIP Removal

The Department of Health has announced that the State will cover the cost of PIP implant removal, through the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). Patients who received PIP breast implants containing industrial grade silicon from the Harley Medical Group will be able to avail of surgical consultation, radiology and removal of implants if deemed clinically necessary.

According to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in the Department of Health Tony Holohan, speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland last week, data in the UK and Ireland from surgical consultations provided to patients who received PIP implants, patients in 10-15% of cases were having the implants removed. He also reiterated that international data collected in recent months has shown that there is no long-term increased risk of cancer for women with PIP implants.

In addition, the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons (IAPS), together with the CMO has issued a new set of recommendations for patients considering Surgical Cosmentic procedures, which can be downloaded from the IAPS website here.

While PIP implants containing industrial grade silicon were used by three clinics in Ireland, neither The Aesthetic Institute nor any of our Consultant Plastic Surgeons has ever used PIP implants. However, we would be happy to see patients for consultation and appropriate follow-up.

For more information, please call The Aesthetic Institute on 01 491 5738.